Chai Pani D.C. Hiring Hosts

About Chai Pani

Chai Pani is an Indian Street Food restaurant that began as a humble 50-seat restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina in 2009. We’ve since grown to a much larger space in Asheville and opened Chai Panis in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC, along with four locations of our fast-casual concept, Botiwalla.

Chai Pani is the recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant (2022) and has received six other nominations. We've also received a Zagat Award and been featured in Bon Appétit, Saveur, Food & Wine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, Southern Living, USA Today, and were one of Oprah's Favorite Things.

“Chai Pani” is slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.” For us, it means groundbreaking, fun, affordable, and delicious Indian street food—paired with a passion for making people happy and building connections through good food and compassionate hospitality.

If this sounds like a journey you want to take with us—providing extraordinary hospitality and changing the perception of Indian cuisine in America—we are currently accepting applications.

Position Summary

As the first face guests see and the last goodbye they receive, the Host sets the tone for the entire experience. You’ll greet everyone with genuine warmth, manage the flow of service with precision and calm, and create a sense of ease and excitement from the moment guests walk through the door. It’s a make-or-break position. You’ll be the compass of our dining room and a key part of our guests’ first impression.

Pay : $10.00 / hour base + tips (most team members average $25–$30 / hour total)

What This Role Offers

• The chance to work with a James Beard Award–winning restaurant group and Chef
• Flexibility, camaraderie, and a culture where your voice matters
• Growth, mentorship, and a community that values excellence and care
• A masterclass in hospitality systems, guest communication, and service flow
• What You Offer
• A genuine love of hospitality and being of service to others
• Warmth and empathy
• A mind for systems and puzzles
• A clear, friendly, and confident communication style
• A team-first attitude and a drive to go above and beyond for guests and coworkers alike
• A growth mindset and a commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love, and care

Benefits

Our Mission

Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can—from supporting educational programs in Mumbai to feeding the homeless with dignity, and within our own walls by offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony.

Join our team and help us build something truly special in Washington, DC.